Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Bill [HL]

An important part of Mr Blair’s legacy is the Constitutional Reform Act which makes it quite clear that there is a separation of powers between the judiciary on the one hand and the Executive on the other. I added my name to Amendment No. 5A although I do not think that it is technically strictly necessary because I believe that the Constitutional Reform Act would trump any attempt by a Minister to give directions to a court or tribunal. However, I regard Amendment No. 5A as beneficial for the avoidance of doubt. That is why I support it. It is extremely important that Ministers refrain from telling judges how to deal with cases, and I am sure that they would not dream of doing so. On the other hand, there is a need for judicial training in relation to this Act, especially to translate the wisdom of some expert High Court judges down to the county courts. That is the direct responsibility not of Ministers but of the Judicial Studies Board. I had the privilege of taking part in that training on the Human Rights Act, when the board carried out great work for two years. It is directly responsible for training full-time and part-time judges, and is under judicial control. The Judicial Studies Board has a family committee and an equal treatment advisory committee, both of which would have a role in ensuring that judges received training on the Bill, just as they currently receive training on other parts of the Family Law Act. The board has prepared written material and publications, such as the Family Bench Book. That is the right way forward. I therefore support Amendment No. 5A and am grateful to the Minister for her response.